Arkansas graphic designer employment contract template

Arkansas Graphic Designer Employment Contract

This Arkansas Graphic Designer Employment Contract (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of [Date of Signing], by and between [Employer Name], with a principal place of business at [Employer Address] (“Employer”), and [Employee Name], residing at [Employee Address] (“Designer”).

1. Position:

The Employer hereby employs the Designer, and the Designer hereby accepts employment with the Employer, as a Graphic Designer.

2. Job Description:

The Designer's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Creative design and graphic illustration.
• Branding and logo design.
• Digital asset creation for print, web, and social media.
• Layout and typography.
• Adapting to client or brand guidelines.
• Participating in collaborative design processes.
• Using designated design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch.
• Managing design project timelines.
• Production coordination and vendor communication.

3. Reporting Structure:

Option A: The Designer will report directly to [Manager Name/Title].

Option B: The Designer will report to the [Art Director Name/Title].

Option C: The Designer will report to the [Creative Lead Name/Title].

4. Work Location:

Option A: The primary work location is [Office Address in Arkansas].

Option B: Remote work within the State of Arkansas is authorized, subject to Employer policies.

• The Employer will provide necessary equipment and software licenses.
• The Designer will comply with Employer's data privacy and security policies, consistent with Arkansas law.

5. Employment Type and Work Hours:

The employment is full-time.

The Designer's regular work schedule is [Start Time] to [End Time], [Days of the Week], totaling [Number] hours per week.

Option A: Overtime work requires prior written authorization. Overtime will be compensated according to Arkansas law.

Option B: The position is exempt from overtime pay.

The Designer is entitled to all breaks and meal periods as required by Arkansas law.

6. Compensation:

Option A: The Designer's annual salary is [Salary Amount], payable [Payment Frequency].

Option B: The Designer's hourly wage is [Hourly Wage], payable [Payment Frequency]. Overtime will be calculated as per Arkansas law.

Payment will be made via [Payment Method].

Option A: The Designer is eligible for project bonuses as determined by the Employer.

Option B: The Designer is eligible for profit-sharing as determined by the Employer.

7. Benefits:

The Designer is eligible for the following benefits, subject to Employer policies and applicable Arkansas law:

• Health insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Participation in 401(k) or other retirement plan.
• Paid vacation: Accrual rate is [Accrual Rate].
• Sick leave: [Number] days per year.
• Paid holidays: [List of Holidays], as observed by the Employer in Arkansas.
• Professional development support: [Details of Support].
• Option A: Equipment stipend: [Stipend Amount].
• Option B: Remote work allowance: [Allowance Amount].

8. Intellectual Property:

All artwork, designs, creative concepts, drafts, digital files, and deliverables created by the Designer during employment are work-made-for-hire and the exclusive property of the Employer under Arkansas and US copyright law.

The Designer must obtain prior written approval for using any third-party assets, stock images, or open-source design elements. The Designer is responsible for ensuring proper licensing.

Upon termination of employment, the Designer shall return or delete all client and employer branding assets.

9. Confidentiality:

The Designer shall maintain the confidentiality of all client data, design drafts, branding strategies, product launch plans, and proprietary visual content. This obligation survives the termination of employment.

10. Non-Competition, Non-Solicitation, and Non-Disclosure:

Option A: Non-Compete: During the term of employment and for [Number] months after termination, the Designer shall not engage in graphic design work for [Specific Competitors/Clients] within [Geographic Area]. This restriction is limited to the extent permissible under Arkansas law.

Option B: Non-Solicitation: During the term of employment and for [Number] months after termination, the Designer shall not solicit the Employer’s clients or employees.

Non-Disclosure: The Designer shall not disclose any confidential information of the Employer to any third party. This obligation survives the termination of employment.

11. Social Media and Portfolio Policy:

The Designer may display work created for the Employer in their portfolio only after public launch and with the Employer's written approval.

The Designer must credit the Employer and/or client as directed by the Employer.

12. Behavioral and Ethical Standards:

The Designer shall adhere to the Employer's brand guidelines and ethical standards.

The Designer shall ensure all work is original and non-infringing. The Designer shall comply with anti-plagiarism safeguards.

The Designer shall not use Employer software or licenses for unauthorized freelance or side projects.

The Designer shall adhere to remote work security protocols.

The Designer shall complete creative deliverables according to project timelines.

13. Outside Activities:

The Designer shall obtain prior written approval from the Employer before engaging in any freelance, moonlighting, or external gigs that could create a conflict of interest or IP violation.

14. At-Will Employment:

This is an at-will employment relationship. Either the Employer or the Designer may terminate the employment at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice, subject to applicable Arkansas law.

Voluntary Resignation: The Designer shall provide [Number] days written notice to the Employer.

Final Pay: The Designer’s final paycheck will be disbursed within seven days after separation or the next scheduled payday, whichever is sooner, as required by Arkansas law.

Upon termination, the Designer shall return all company equipment, access credentials, and confidential materials.

15. Severance:

Option A: If the Designer's employment is terminated by the Employer without cause, the Designer will receive severance pay equal to [Number] weeks of their base salary.

Option B: No severance pay will be provided.

16. Equal Opportunity Employment:

The Employer is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal and Arkansas anti-discrimination laws, including those prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by law. The Employer maintains anti-harassment and diversity policies.

17. Dispute Resolution:

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arkansas.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be resolved first through good faith negotiation. If negotiation fails, the parties may agree to mediation or arbitration before resorting to litigation. Any legal action shall be brought in the appropriate court in [County Name] County, Arkansas.

[Employer Name]

By: [Employer Representative Name]

Title: [Employer Representative Title]

[Employee Name]

Signature:

Date: